Charles H. Risko

RISKO, Charles H. ”Charlie”, age 96, after an arduous struggle with cancer, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at The Wellington at Dayton. With an angel by his side, Charles was steadfast in his prayers until the end – “Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, and guide.” His devotion to his family, and his firm belief in God, supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Charles was a friend to everyone and at all times willing to help others. Always grateful and blessing others with “God be with you,” he was extremely thankful for his caregivers and those who touched his life. Charles was born in Dayton September 24, 1918 to Hungarian immigrants. The oldest of 5 siblings (Steve, Ella, Joe, and Mary), Charles helped support his family at an early age by selling newspapers and working other odd jobs. Living on Alton Ave. in old North Dayton, Charles graduated from Kiser H.S. and attended Sinclair College before enlisting in the Army Air Force at the start of World War II. Stationed at Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska, Charles was a machinist for the 1596th AAF (2nd Foreign Transport Group) in support of “The Lend-Lease Program” which enabled the Russians to pick up planes from the United States for their continued flight to Siberia via Galena and Nome. After the war, Charles returned to Dayton to marry his “Angel” Eileen in September, 1945. Charles continued in his mastery of machines as a journeyman of machine repair with Delco Products until he retired in 1983. He could repair anything that stopped working, from small appliances to automobiles. Charles volunteered at Miami Valley Hospital and repaired many of the non-working medical devices there. He was an expert gardener and found great enjoyment planting and growing roses, shrubs and trees. Over his adult life Charles was a parishioner of St. Anthony, Ascension and St. Henry Catholic churches in Dayton. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Angela; grandson Matthew Schaaf; sister Ella Risko; brother Stephen Risko; sister in-law Evelyn Risko; son in-law Frank Schaaf, Jr. Survived by his wife of 69 years, Eileen; daughter Marlene Schaaf; son John (Alicia) Risko; grandchildren Angela (Carl) Wilkinson and Kelley (Mitch) Thornsbury ; great-grandchildren Kyle, Logan and Connor Wilkinson and Kaylee Thornsbury; brother Joseph (Margaret) Risko; sister Mary (Bud) McIntosh and numerous cherished nieces and nephews. Visitation will occur at St. Henry Catholic Church, 6696 N. Springboro Pike, Dayton, on Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 10 AM – 12 PM, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at The Wellington at Dayton for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his memory to Radio Maria USA, 601 Washington Street, Alexandria, LA 71301 or St. Henry Catholic Church, 6696 N. Springboro Pike, Dayton OH 45449.